Charles B. Salmon was an active leader in business, industry, and in the educational and religious life of Beloit.

He was born August 16, 1850, at Peru, Ohio, and 20 years later his first identification with this community was as a member of the class of 1870 at Beloit College. In 1873, in partnership with S.T. Merrill and W.H. Wheeler, the Eclipse Windmill Company was organized. That industry early marked Beloit a growing business community.

He sold his interest in the firm eight years later, and in 1885 he organized the Beloit Water Works. Throughout the remainder of his life he was to take an important part in the development and growth of Beloit utilities. With the organization of the water works, a water plant was erected immediately. He and his brother became sole owners in 1892 and they operated it until 1906.

Ownership of the municipal water supply changed, but he continued in the service as president and general manager until he retired about 1920. He gave his attention to other interests also.

He cherished a love for Beloit College and served that institution for 50 years as a member of the board of trustees. He operated the Salmon Milling Company. Development of the downtown district, and erection of business properties had much of his attention, and he was instrumental in attracting business to Beloit.

Charles died October 15, 1929.